NEW BEDFORD — LifeStream, Inc., a leading provider of human services for southeastern Massachusetts, has earned the highest level accreditation award from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. CARF announced that LifeStream has been accredited for another period of three years for its community services, community integration programs, as well as service to medically fragile populations.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) also acknowledged the excellence of LifeStream’s programs, services and facilities by issuing a two-year license for both its day and residential supports.

The current CARF accreditation marks the ninth consecutive three-year accreditation that the commission has awarded to the organization. It is the highest level of accreditation that can be earned.

CARF is an international, independent, not-for-profit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.

According to the CARF‘s summary, “LifeStream has very knowledgeable and well-tenured management staff members who demonstrate effective and visionary leadership for the organization.” The survey also points out that “LifeStream is well-respected in the communities in which programs are operated…Families report high appreciation for the supports provided by the organization. They feel understood and valued as part of the team.”

The CARF survey also commends LifeStream for its organizational strengths. Among those attributes are the quality, longevity and commitment of the staff. LifeStream earns praise for providing the tools and training to support its staff’s personal and professional development.

The staff is also praised for the respect and dignity given the people they serve.

Observations included in the DDS report show that during the review process LifeStream “…exhibited a continued commitment to ensuring that services promote the optimal health and safety of people served. Additionally, the homes visited during the survey reflected individuals’ preferences and tastes, and staff demonstrated their commitment and knowledge of people’s unique needs.” The organization, which achieved 100 percent on all the reviewed indicators for the second successive survey, was also recognized by DDS for recent advances in the care of those with Acquired Brain Injury.

“Earning CARF accreditation, once again, along with renewal of our DDS license is joint testimony to the respect and acknowledgement extended to LifeStream by those we serve, their families and the general communities within which we operate our programs,” said LifeStream President & CEO John A. Latawiec. “The agencies’ findings recognize that among LifeStream’s greatest strengths are its staff and management team who continuously support and encourage all individuals, advocating that everyone we serve has the right to live a meaningful life. The Commission’s accreditation and the continued licensing by DDS validate our work.”

Page 2 of 2 - LifeStream, founded in 1976, is a leading employer in the region with more than 450 workers. Its operating budget of $21 million is funded primarily by state and local agencies. The organization’s core services include: Residential Services; Day Support Services; Community and Family Support Services; Employment and Training; and Clinical Services.